The 2025 Good Soil Forum, presented by Wells Fargo, has officially announced the finalists for its Seed Capital Pitch Competition. It took place on June 14, during the forum’s closing day in the vibrant Dallas Arts District, the competition offers a life-changing opportunity for entrepreneurs to secure up to $500,000 in non-dilutive funding, along with mentorship and national exposure.
The competition, powered by Hello Alice, is designed to level the playing field for small business owners, especially those from undercapitalized communities. Finalists were selected based on innovation, impact, and readiness for growth. They include:
- Kia-Shun Voltz, Shampoo Time – Red Oak, TX
- M-T Strickland, Metric Mate – Atlanta, GA
- Paden Sickles, SickFit – Arlington, TX
- Lamanda Ballard, FloEver Health – Austin, TX
- Orleatha Smith, Sip Herbals – Gresham, OR
- Joseph Hamilton, 4 Second Football – Fairburn, GA
- Rozalynn Goodwin, Confidence by GaBBy Goodwin – Columbia, SC
These finalists will pitch live to a panel of judges and national audience, competing for top prizes including:
- First Place: $200,000 + mentorship from a Wells Fargo advisor
- Second Place: $100,000 + mentorship
- Third Place: $75,000 + mentorship
- Additional Grants: $5,000 to $50,000 with expert guidance
All participants will join the Good Soil Accelerator, a year-long program offering resources, mentorship, and business development support. Additionally, the first 1,000 applicants received free access to LivePlan, a top-rated business planning tool.
“This competition isn’t just about capital—it’s about cultivating leaders and reshaping communities,” said Chairman T.D. Jakes, founder of the Good Soil Forum. “We’re investing in futures by equipping underestimated entrepreneurs with trust, training, and tools.”
The forum will also feature influential speakers like Oprah Winfrey, John Hope Bryant, Jerry Lorenzo, Wallstreet Trapper, and more. The three-day event, which ran June 12–14, highlights the forum’s Transformation Agenda, building momentum in one of the fastest-growing entrepreneurial ecosystems in the U.S.
Learn more at www.goodsoilforum.com.